Just found this thread. Hiking/backpacking has been another hobby I rediscovered during 2020, partly due to the pandemic and partly because of being active with my sons in their scout troop, and now prepping for a Philmont trek this summer with my oldest if things there don't get shut down again.
Since there have been some questions about backpacking gear above, I've been able to accumulate a setup I'm happy with on a tight budget, via clearance sales, Amazon deals and Facebook Marketplace:
Pack: Gregory Reality 70L internal frame (love it - versatile and extremely durable)
Tent: Alps LYNX 1-person with floor saver (4lb, so not the lightest out there, but very durable for the $. The 2-person is really good, too, and only 1lb heavier)
Bag: Teton LEEF 0* ultralight mummy-style
Pad: Outdoorsman Lab ultralight inflatable
Our troop did two nights at Caprock Canyon earlier this month, at the north and south primitive sites within the canyon, and ~10mi of hiking. It was fantastic - probably my best Texas state park experience ever, and not crowded at all. Temperature swings are strong (around 30* each night and up to low 60s with hot sun on the trails in the afternoon), but we were prepared.